What is Property and Casualty Insurance?

Updated: May 2017

Property insurance and casualty insurance are types of coverage that help protect the stuff you own — your home or car, for example — and also provide liability coverage to help protect you if you're found legally responsible for an accident that causes injuries to another person or damage to another person's belongings.

The following are examples of insurance policies that typically offer property and casualty coverage:

Renters Insurance

If you rent, you'll likely find that your landlord has an insurance policy to help protect their building and their personal property, but that policy would likely not cover the belongings owned by you, the renter.

Renters insurance commonly helps protect your personal property (furniture, clothing and electronics, for instance). It also typically includes liability coverage if you're found responsible for damages to someone else's property or a guest's injuries in your home. Renters insurance may also help pay for increased living expenses, such as if you have to temporarily relocate if your rented home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.Learn more about renters insurance.

Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance may help provide important protections for a property that generates rental income. This type of policy typically helps protect the building you own from certain perils — damage caused by hail or fire, for example. It also usually offers liability protection, which may help cover you if you're sued following an incident on your property.Learn more about landlord insurance.

It's important to remember that, regardless of what type of property and casualty insurance policy you have, coverage limits will apply. Be sure to read your policy or check with your agent to learn about your coverage. Limits can typically be adjusted based on your specific situation.

A local agent can help you determine which types of coverage are right for you. Then you can focus on enjoying your everyday life with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the appropriate protections in place — just in case.